Why is Rene Gallimard "mentally blind" in M. Butterfly?

Gallimard appears to be "mentally blind" in M.
Butterfly because he can assert a sense of power in the fantasy world that he
creates for himself.  In his regular life, Gallimard has little influence and cannot
attract women into his company in the way that other men around him can.  As a result,
Gallimard buys into the stereotypes associated with "Orientalism" and forces Song to
interact with him according to his desires.  In this relationship, Gallimard feels a
sense of power, control, dominance, and influence that he did not have in his previous
life.  In order to continue in this role, Gallimard must be "mentally blind" to the
reality of his situation.